requital

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "requital" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the return or repayment of something, especially something unpleasant or deservedly unpleasant. For example: "The criminal received a fitting requital for his misdeeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Morrison, it happens, is less interested in the grand passions of love and requital than she is in the curious texture of communal amnesty.

The New Yorker

The novel ends without any suggestion of requital or real atonement; and, of course, nothing is more judgmental, in the end, than Dee's avoidance of obvious judgment.

The New Yorker

To say that this arrangement suited Housman would be unfair, for nobody could wish such misery on another, but one wonders how he might have coped with requital.

The New Yorker

Yes, Shylock is granted an illuminating moment of humanity – that, after all, is what Shakespeare does: every villain has his say – but thereafter, and by his own choosing, the Jew quickly returns to the engrossing Jewish occupation of requital.

The Guardian - Books

There's a profound continuity between such acts and the punishments that — in the name of requital, deterrence, or discipline — the criminal-justice system lawfully imposes.

The New Yorker

The term 'forgive' derives from 'give' or to 'grant', as in 'to give up,' or 'cease to harbor (resentment, wrath).' More specifically, 'forgive' refers to the act of giving up a feeling, such as resentment, or a claim to requital or compensation.

SEP

In some way, all artists of ambition, literary or otherwise, must be longing to win their version of the Profundity Requital.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As if this weren't enough, as the novel begins, Gwyn is shortlisted for a prize, the nicely named Profundity Requital - which, if he wins, will provide him with a lavish income for the rest of his life.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "requital" when you want to emphasize the idea of deserved repayment, especially in the context of justice or moral balance. It is particularly effective when discussing the consequences of actions.

Common error

Avoid using "requital" when simply referring to returning something that was borrowed. "Requital" implies a deeper sense of justice or deserved consequence, not just a neutral act of returning something. Simple repayment is more neutral.

Linguistic Context

The noun "requital" functions primarily as a term denoting compensation, retribution, or amends for a loss or wrongdoing. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in discussing justice, moral balance, and the deserved consequences of actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "requital" is a noun that signifies compensation, retaliation, or amends. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It's particularly suited for formal contexts where the idea of deserved repayment is central. While "requital" might not be an everyday term, understanding its meaning and proper usage allows for more precise and impactful communication. Keep in mind the distinction between "requital" and simple repayment, as the former carries a stronger connotation of justice or deserved consequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retribution

Focuses more specifically on punishment or deserved revenge.

retaliation

Emphasizes the act of revenge or counter-attack.

recompense

Highlights the act of making amends or providing compensation for a loss.

repayment

Focuses on the act of paying back a debt or obligation.

compensation

Stresses the act of providing something, typically money, to offset a loss or injury.

amends

Implies making up for a wrong or injury.

vengeance

Highlights the act of inflicting punishment in return for an injury or wrong.

revenge

Similar to vengeance, but can sometimes carry a more personal or emotional connotation.

satisfaction

Focuses on the feeling of being compensated or having a wrong righted.

just deserts

Implies receiving what one deserves, whether good or bad.

FAQs

How is "requital" used in a sentence?

"Requital" is used to denote a form of repayment or return, often implying a sense of justice or deservedness, such as, "The criminal faced harsh "retribution", a fitting "requital" for his heinous acts."

What words are similar to "requital"?

Synonyms for "requital" include "retribution", "retaliation", "recompense", and "compensation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "requital" over "retribution"?

While both words relate to payback, "requital" is broader, encompassing any form of repayment. "Retribution" specifically refers to punishment or deserved revenge. Use "requital" when the return isn't necessarily punitive.

Is "requital" formal or informal?

"Requital" is generally considered a formal term. In informal contexts, you might prefer simpler words like "payback" or "revenge" depending on the meaning you intend.